The Bath Area Family YMCA announced today that it is nearing the end of a years-long childcare expansion capital campaign and will be soliciting donations from Y members and the surrounding community beginning this month for its final campaign phase.
The Bath YMCA began raising funds for a $7.9 million multi-phase capital campaign in 2023 to meet the growing demand for quality, affordable childcare in the community.
The campaign’s first phase began with the construction of two new classrooms in a standalone building that opened in 2024, tripling the number of available childcare spaces. The final phase will be the construction of a dedicated six-classroom Early Learning Center at the Bath YMCA, with a goal of breaking ground this summer.
“It is such a challenge for families to find the high-quality childcare they deserve for their children, close to work or home,” said Annie Colaluca, Director of Early Learning & Family Services at the Bath Y. “We are proud to be expanding our services to meet this demand and provide more children the opportunity to thrive in our setting.”
Nearly 90% of the $7.9 million expansion campaign has already been raised through early pledges from donors and community partners as well as from $1.5 million in federal funding secured by Senator Angus King in 2023. Just over $775,000 remains to be raised during the community fundraising phase.
“We are in an incredibly strong position as we come to the finish line of this important campaign,” said Chief Philanthropy Officer Staci Beal. “Now we need the support of our community to close the distance and help bring this vision to life.”
For nearly 20 years, the Bath Area Family YMCA has operated a nationally accredited childcare program for ages 18 months to five years old. The program currently operates six classrooms at the Bath YMCA campus, including public PreK during the school year in partnership with two local school districts.
“Our Y is committed to providing a place for the youngest members of our communities to grow and thrive now and into the future,” said CEO Rob Gray. “This campaign is about so much more than just expanding childcare; it’s about investing in our community’s future. By creating more opportunities for families to access quality early education, we’re helping to build a stronger foundation for the next generation.”
For more information on the Bath YMCA’s capital campaign and to make a donation, visit www.bathymca.org/capitalcampaign/